ANC-Australia secures aid package for Syrian-ArmeniansNovember 26, 2012 - 11:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) has announced it is working with the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) in securing an aid package for Syrian-Armenians who have fled to the Republic of Armenia. The ongoing conflict in Syria has had considerable impact on the Armenian community in Syria, which numbers at more than 90,000. Thousands of families, including many children, have fled to the Republic of Armenia with limited resources. Australia has become the third-largest international donor of aid to victims with a current assistance package of $24.5 million. According to ANC-Australia website, on November 22, the Hon. Walt Secord MLC added his voice in support of the Syrian-Armenian community, and the efforts to deliver to them some of the Australian government’s assistance package. Secord said: “I will note my concerns regarding the plight of Armenians in Syria as events continue to unfold. Just last month an important Armenian church in Aleppo was set ablaze and Armenians were kidnapped. I know that members of the local Armenian community are worried about their loved ones in Syria. My thoughts are with them at this time.” He added: “I support the Australian Government's commitment through AusAID, pledging $24.5 million to help refugees in the region. I also acknowledge efforts by the Armenian National Committee of Australia to extend that support to Syrian refugees who have fled to Armenia in their thousands.” ANC Australia Executive Director, Vache Kahramanian stated: “The conflict in Syria is grave and we are engaged with the Australian government to ensure an allocation of the $24.5 million is provided to aid agencies in Armenia. Full details will be announced in due course.” Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. Ex-President: Only removal of “defeatist” rulers can save Armenia Former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has shared a message on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Pashinyan: We must stop searching for homeland, we have found that homeland Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has shared a message on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. |